By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has unanimously passed a resolution mandating its leadership to take legal action against GeosKope Limited, a Liberian-owned construction company, for allegedly defaulting on a US$170,000 contract.
The resolution was adopted during the LNBA’s 2024 National Convention, held on November 30 at the Wuo Garbe Tarpppia Intellectual Hall, Peace Empire, in Ganta, Nimba County.
GeosKope Limited had signed an agreement to complete the first floor of the LNBA’s multi-purpose National Headquarters in Tower Hill, Lower Margibi County.
However, according to the LNBA, the company failed to fulfill its contractual obligations despite several meetings and negotiations.
The resolution states:
“Now therefore, the LNBA, sitting at its 2024 National Annual Convention, after deliberation on the matters under consideration, hereby resolves as follows: that the LNBA leadership be mandated and is mandated to file the appropriate legal action against GeosKope Construction Company Limited for reneging, refusing, and failing to abide by the terms of the contract, having received US$170,000, which resulted in a breach and subsequent termination of the contract.”
Following the breach, the LNBA entered a new agreement with another Liberian-owned company, JES Engineering, to complete the project.
The new contract, valued at US$121,000, was signed on October 15, 2024, by LNBA’s outgoing president Sylvester Rennie, and JES General Manager Joseph S. Dennis.
The project is now actively progressing, with the leadership recently touring the site to ensure its readiness by January.
In addition to authorizing legal action against GeosKope Limited, the resolution emphasized the importance of upholding the ethics of the legal profession and ensuring access to justice.
It also urged the LNBA to develop regulatory frameworks for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and to promote pro-bono legal aid services.
The resolution called for transparency and financial accountability, mandating the submission of a 2025 fiscal budget to the National Executive Council before the induction of new officials.
Outgoing LNBA president Rennie commended the Bar for its resilience and the adoption of the resolution.
Speaking to reporters, he noted the new leadership would be responsible for pursuing legal action against GeosKope.
“As stated in our report, GeoKope failed to deliver despite several meetings. The total amount we paid them was US$170,000. It is now up to the new leadership to ensure they are held accountable,” Rennie remarked.
The LNBA’s decision underscores its commitment to accountability, ethical standards, and the rule of law within Liberia.
